The role of homeobox gene in leukaemia

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel UniversityHomeobox genes are known to be active during development and they are turned off after the early stages of developmental life. The HLXB9/MNX1 gene is a homeobox gene localized on human chromosome 7 and is involved in the development of pancreas and the nervous system. However, some leukaemia research groups have reported an over-expression of HLXB9 in leukaemia patients who carry the t(7;12) and in the GDM-1 cell line that carries the t(6;7). The mechanisms of leukaemogenesis in t(7;12) patients are still unclear. The t(7;12) is one of the recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities that is associated with infant acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients and has been linked to poor prognosis. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the involvement of HLXB9 in cell lines known to express this gene at the transcript level and (ii) to investigate the position on HLXB9 in AML patients with abnormalities of chromosome 7. This aim was achieved through a series of experiments involving the use of both conventional and molecular cytogenetics. In the first place, the chromosomal abnormalities in leukaemia and lymphoma cell lines (GDM-1, K562 and Pfeiffer) have been analysed using G-banding and Multiplex FISH (M-FISH) techniques. Furthermore, FISH using whole chromosome painting technique was performed on 7 AML patients to investigate chromosome 7 rearrangements. Thirdly, the involvement of the homeobox gene HLXB9 has been investigated in the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) derived cell line GDM-1 and in 4 AML patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was carried out using a specific probe for the HLXB9 gene on the AML patients in single and dual colour FISH in combination with an additional probe distal to HLXB9 on the GDM-1 cell line. FISH analysis showed no involvement of the HLXB9 gene in any rearrangement or breaks at chromosomal level on the AML cell line (GDM-1) and AML patients. Nevertheless, a breakpoint either proximal or distal to HLXB9 has been identified. In particular, the breakpoint in the GDM-1 cell line has been confirmed on between the two probes used. This thesis poses the basis for further studies to investigate the mechanisms of oncogenesis in leukaemias with over-expression of HLXB9 in relation to possible breakage of chromosome 7 in the vicinity of the gen

Kids' Atlas application to Learn about Geography and Maps

Geography is the study of local and spatial variations in physical and human events on Earth. Studies of the world's geography have grown together with human developments and revolutions. Atlases often present geographic features and boundaries of areas; an atlas is a compilation of different Earth maps or Earth regions, such as the Middle East, and the continents of Asia, and North America. Most teachers still use classical methods of teaching. Geographical concepts and map-reading skills are the most common aspects of learning that early-stage students find challenging. Hence, the objective of this application is to develop a geography application for children between the ages of 9 and 12 years that would allow them to learn maps. Nowadays, smartphones and mobile apps are drawing closer to becoming acceptable learning tools. To facilitate this, Kids' Atlas is an android application, the main purpose of which is to help children to learn easily and test their knowledge. The application improves learning through entertainment by adding technologies that will help children to learning geography. It captures their attention to learn by visualizing objects and allows them to interact more effectively than traditional methods teaching by visualizing the 3D items. The application intends to improve the individual's ability to understand by providing a training section containing simple quizzes, listening/voice recognition capability, and it has the ability to search for a country by voice recognition and zooming for searched country. The methodology involves a set of software development phases, beginning with the planning; analyze data, design, implementation, testing and maintenance phases. The result of this project is a geography learning application that assists children to enjoy learning geography. The result has shown positive indicators that improve children's ability and knowledge of geography. Learning geography also becomes enjoyable; encouraging and motivating children to continue learning. This project contributes to the growth of education in early childhood, which is essential to shape the nation for the future. Therefore, this project is significant and relevant, as it contributes to the knowledge society for Saudi Arabia

The Role Of EI In Effective Leadership, In The Context Of Saudi Arab: A Systematic Review

Background: The field of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a growing field reflecting its effectiveness in different professions and institutes. There is little evidence available to seek a comprehensive role of EI in effective leadership. This study explores the role of EI in effective leadership. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate how the component of EI plays an effective role in leadership, in the context of Saudi Arab. Method: For the purpose, a systematic approach was employed to identify and select relevant studies from key databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured the consideration of studies published within 05 years that examined the role of EI for effective leadership. Data extraction and analysis were conducted to synthesize findings from 11 selected studies. Results: In total 130 articles were explored and only 03 were found very relevant and 28 somewhat relevant based on inclusion criteria. Findings revealed that EI play a key role in any field specifically in effective leadership and leadership skills including empathy, self-management, and self-awareness. However, limitations including selection bias were acknowledged. Conclusion: The study concludes that EI can enhance the leadership role and can bring very significant advancement in the field of leadership. Since, there was no studies found that studied exclusively EI in relation with effective leadership

From Synthetic Route of Silica Nanoparticles to Theranostic Applications

The advancements in nanotechnology have quickly developed a new subject with vast applications of nanostructured materials in medicine and pharmaceuticals. The enormous surface-to-volume ratio, ease of surface modification, outstanding biocompatibility, and, in the case of mesoporous nanoparticles, the tunable pore size make the silica nanoparticles (SNPs) a promising candidate for nano-based medical applications. The preparation of SNPs and their contemporary usage as drug carriers, contrast agents for imaging, carrier of photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic, as well as photothermal treatments are intensely discussed in this review. Furthermore, the potential harmful responses of silica nanoparticles are reviewed using data obtained from in vitro and in vivo experiments conducted by several studies. Moreover, we showcase the engineering of SNPs for the theranostic applications that can address several intrinsic limitations of conventional therapeutics and diagnostics. In the end, a personal perspective was outlined to state SNPs’ current status and future directions, focusing on SNPs’ significant potentiality and opportunities

Psychological distress reported by healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have considered the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We estimated the prevalence and severity of psychological distress and characterized predisposing risk factors among HCWs in KSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 1,985 HCWs from 6 hospitals across the country designated with caring for COVID-19 patients between April 16 and June 21, 2020. Our data analysis was performed using logistic regressions. Ordered logistic regressions were also performed using forward stepwise model selection to explore the effects of risk factors on psychological distress. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychological distress reported by HCWs in KSA was high, ranging from mild-moderate to severe in severity. Younger HCWs, women, those in contact with COVID-19 patients, and those who either had loved ones affected or who were themselves affected by COVID-19 were the most at-risk of psychological distress. Risk factors such as insomnia, loneliness, fear of transmission, and separation from loved ones most significantly predicted elevated levels of distress among HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing psychological distress was commonly reported by HCWs during the early months of COVID-19 pandemic in KSA. Public health policy makers and mental health professionals must give special attention to risk factors that predispose HCWs in KSA to psychological distress

Silk Fibroin as an Efficient Biomaterial for Drug Delivery, Gene Therapy, and Wound Healing

Silk fibroin (SF), an organic material obtained from the cocoons of a silkworm Bombyx mori, is used in several applications and has a proven track record in biomedicine owing to its superior compatibility with the human body, superb mechanical characteristics, and its controllable propensity to decay. Due to its robust biocompatibility, less immunogenic, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable properties, it has been widely used in biological and biomedical fields, including wound healing. The key strategies for building diverse SF-based drug delivery systems are discussed in this review, as well as the most recent ways for developing functionalized SF for controlled or redirected medicines, gene therapy, and wound healing. Understanding the features of SF and the various ways to manipulate its physicochemical and mechanical properties enables the development of more effective drug delivery devices. Drugs are encapsulated in SF-based drug delivery systems to extend their shelf life and control their release, allowing them to travel further across the bloodstream and thus extend their range of operation. Furthermore, due to their tunable properties, SF-based drug delivery systems open up new possibilities for drug delivery, gene therapy, and wound healing

Smart Nanocarriers as an Emerging Platform for Cancer Therapy: A Review

Cancer is a group of disorders characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that affects around 11 million people each year globally. Nanocarrier-based systems are extensively used in cancer imaging, diagnostics as well as therapeutics; owing to their promising features and potential to augment therapeutic efficacy. The focal point of research remains to develop new-fangled smart nanocarriers that can selectively respond to cancer-specific conditions and deliver medications to target cells efficiently. Nanocarriers deliver loaded therapeutic cargos to the tumour site either in a passive or active mode, with the least drug elimination from the drug delivery systems. This review chiefly focuses on current advances allied to smart nanocarriers such as dendrimers, liposomes, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, quantum dots, micelles, superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, to list a few. Exhaustive discussion on crucial topics like drug targeting, surface decorated smart-nanocarriers and stimuli-responsive cancer nanotherapeutics responding to temperature, enzyme, pH and redox stimuli have been covered

First report of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae harboring bla KPC-2 in Saudi Arabia

Background: Nosocomial infections caused by multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae are a global public health threat that ought to be promptly identified, reported, and addressed accurately. Many carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae-associated genes have been identified in Saudi Arabia but not the endemic Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs), which are encoded by bla genes. KPCs are known for their exceptional spreading potential. Methods: We collected n = 286 multi-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella spp. isolates as part of screening for resistant patterns from a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2014 and 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using both VITEK II and the broth microdilution of all collected isolates. Detection of resistance-conferring genes was carried out using Illumina whole-genome shotgun sequencing and PacBio SMRT sequencing protocols. Results: A Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae strain was identified as a novel ST-3510 carrying a bla carbapenemase encoding gene. The isolate, designated as NGKPC-421, was obtained from shotgun Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) surveillance of 286 MDR Klebsiella spp. clinical isolates. The NGKPC-421 isolate was collected from a septic patient in late 2017 and was initially misidentified as K. pneumoniae. The sequencing and assembly of the NGKPC-421 genome resulted in the identification of a putative ~ 39.4 kb IncX6 plasmid harboring a bla gene, flanked by transposable elements (ISKpn6-bla -ISKpn27). Conclusion: This is the first identification of a KPC-2-producing CRE in the Gulf region. The impact on this finding is of major concern to the public health in Saudi Arabia, considering that it is the religious epicenter with a continuous mass influx of pilgrims from across the world. Our study strongly highlights the importance of implementing rapid sequencing-based technologies in clinical microbiology for precise taxonomic classification and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance patterns